Drama

Siblings of the Cape

岬の兄妹

Directed by: Shinzo Katayama
2018 / 89 minutes / Unclassified 18+

A visually-stunning depiction of desperation, family values, and reclaiming agency

Yoshio (Yuya Matsuura) lives with his sister Mariko (Misa Wada), who has a disability that requires his constant care. They already struggle to make ends meet, and when Yoshio loses his job due to his own disability, and then finds out that Mariko has been having sex, he succumbs to forcing Mariko into illegal sex work. But Mariko proves to be defiant against her brother’s controlling behaviour, finding pleasure in these frequent encounters with the ‘local clientele’, and Yoshio’s questionable and exploitative attempts to make money begin to fall apart.

Shot over four seasons, Shinzo Katayama’s transgressive debut film is a visually compelling portrayal of the struggle for survival in a capitalist society and the conflicts and uncertainty that modern life throws our way. Siblings of the Cape raises many questions about the moral and physical treatment of vulnerable people, and the importance of having the freedom to explore one’s own sexual and romantic desires versus the ability to give informed consent. Katayama has written, directed, produced, and personally funded a film that is not afraid to go beyond the bounds of conventional storytelling.